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ID tip
This is a small swift, even compared to other Chaetura species, at 10.7 to 11.2 cm (4.2 to 4.4 in) long and weighing 18 g (0.63 oz). The northern populations are slightly larger at 11.5 cm (4.5 in), probably according to the Bergmann's Rule and/or migration requirements. It has a cigar-shaped body, crescentic wings and a short bluntly squared-off tail. The head, upperparts and wings are dusky black, and the underparts, rump and tail coverts are greyish brown. The throat is paler grey, becoming whitish in northern birds.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Vaux's Swift
One bar for each month. Filled bars are the 8 months with records; pale bars are months with none. The wide bar is May, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Vaux's Swift
The map shades 11 countries with regular records. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
About the Vaux's Swift
Vaux's swift is a small swift native to North America, Central America, and northern South America. It was named for the American scientist William Sansom Vaux.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Grey-rumped SwiftChaetura cinereiventrisThe grey-rumped swift is about 10.5 cm (4.1 in) long and weighs about 17 g (0.60 oz).
Short-tailed SwiftChaetura brachyuraThe short-tailed swift is about 10.5 cm long, and weighs 20 g.
Side by side: Chimney Swift vs Vaux's Swift · Grey-rumped Swift vs Vaux's Swift · Sick's Swift vs Vaux's Swift · Short-tailed Swift vs Vaux's Swift
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